We’re excited to announce that the Cancer Justice program of the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) has transferred to Public Counsel, ensuring the continued work of the nation’s premier pro bono program dedicated to the legal rights of people with cancer. This transition allows Public Counsel to expand our efforts to advance economic justice and access to legal services, while deepening our commitment to supporting people facing cancer and addressing the unique challenges they encounter.
Known for decades as the Cancer Legal Resource Center, the program was renamed Cancer Justice in 2025. It is one of the only programs in the country dedicated specifically to the legal rights of people living with cancer—supporting individuals navigating cancer with legal resources, rights-based advocacy, and education. The program provides vital resources to address disparities in cancer care and ensure access and support for all individuals impacted by the disease.
This formal step follows a decades-long partnership and collaboration between Public Counsel and DRLC on a wide range of issues impacting underserved communities. As Mike McDonough, Chairman of the Board for DRLC, shared:
Public Counsel is one of the nation’s premier public interest law firms, and we could not imagine a more fitting organization to carry on the work of DRLC. On behalf of the DRLC board, I wish to thank the staff of the Cancer Justice program and all those who have generously supported DRLC’s mission over the years, who should feel proud to know our work will continue under the capable stewardship of Public Counsel.
For 50 years, DRLC has advanced the rights of people with disabilities through civil rights litigation, resource sharing, and systemic advocacy. We are excited to collaborate with the DRLC team to carry the torch forward for this invaluable program, which aligns perfectly with our pro bono model to expand access to legal services to lower-income communities.
We are deeply grateful to DRLC and to everyone who has supported the Cancer Justice program over the years, and we look forward to carrying this important work forward. Read our press release here.
